Awaiting approval, new property values listed

NORTHAMPTON - Property owners who want to see how much the city thinks their property is worth are invited to stop by the Assessor's Office to peruse a new set of assessments awaiting state approval.

Public to get say on Bean Farm

NORTHAMPTON - The city has reached a tentative agreement to buy a majority of the Bean Farm near downtown Florence for $910,000, but the City Council Thursday tabled a decision on whether to endorse the purchase until councilors have a chance to hear from the public.

Northampton city council backs 'living wage'

NORTHAMPTON - A young girl named Tatiana said it best Thursday night: "Everybody deserves a chance." And as it did 11 years ago, the City Council Thursday threw its support behind a measure that encourages business owners to offer that chance and pay their employees a living wage.

Tax hike less steep for Hadley residents

HADLEY - The average annual tax bill will increase this year from $2,807 to $2,860, but this hike is lower than normal.

Last year, the average assessed valuation in Hadley was $308,500 and the tax rate per $1,000 was $9.10. This year, the average valuation declined to $306,900 while the tax rate increased to $9.32, said Assessor Dan Zdonek.

Council agenda: Resolutions on bottle bill, living wage

NORTHAMPTON - The City Council will consider these additional items when it meets at 7:15 p.m. at the Council Chambers of the Puchalski Municipal Building:

Bean Farm purchase on council agenda tonight

NORTHAMPTON - The much-discussed Bean Farm stays in the spotlight tonight as the City Council takes up a recommendation from three city commissions to buy the property near downtown Florence as soon as possible - and then figure out what to do with it.

Growth eyed for historic Northampton district

NORTHAMPTON - In a move being driven in part by concern over the future expansion of Smith College, the Elm Street Historic District Commission would like to spread its wings into a pair of neighborhoods off Elm Street.